THE Drehidnagower Bridge in Ennis has been described as “lethal” as fresh calls have been made for a separate footbridge and footpath to be built to protect the safety of pedestrians.
Councillor Mary Howard said she felt like a “scratched record” as she “once again” asked for funding to be sourced for the works at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.
Responding to the motion Conor McDonagh, Executive Engineer, Road Design, said, “Transportation consultants have been appointed under this Active Travel scheme to carry out a transportation assessment, which includes a feasibility and option selection report to examine pedestrian / cyclist permeability over the Drehidnagower bridge.
“They are currently undertaking necessary surveys on-site and preparing a suitable Multi Criteria Analysis under which all viable options will be assessed to determine the most appropriate solution.
“When the emerging preferred option has been established, it will be necessary to apply to the NTA for further funding and seek approval to progress that solution from preliminary design through to construction in accordance with the NTA’s Project Appraisal Guidelines.”
Councillor Howard stated that while it is “great to see progress we need to start moving really quickly.”
She pointed out that in recent months 61 homes were launched at Cluain Gréine bringing more young families and children to the local area. She voiced fears for the safety of students walking home over the bridge in the darker days saying, “it’s lethal, how there hasn’t been an accident is beyond me.”
She added that the installation of a light would result in an improvement in the short term. “It is a very dark and dangerous place at night time, it is high time we moved on it.”
Councillor Pat Daly supported the motion saying many walkers use the bridge on their way to Lee’s Road. “A footbridge would be ideal,” he said.
Councillor Johnny Flynn recalled how during his time on the Lee’s Road Development Committee the importance of connectivity to the amenity was stressed.
He has received correspondence from the public on the need for greater access including from a young wheelchair user who cannot go to Lees Road because of difficulties crossing the bridge.
Councillor Flynn said motorists are using the bridge as a “rat run” to avoid congestion on the Maid of Eireann. He also agreed it is “badly lit”. “We are depriving people of access and independent movement,” he said.
“A person fell off a bike there recently and now they go the long way around because it is very unsafe,” he said adding that driver behaviour had deteriorated.
Councillor Ann Norton said she has also received correspondence from the local community highlighting concerns about the bridge.
“This is a health hazard and people are concerned for their own safety” she said saying, “it’s time for a serious look around this area, it’s hugely important”. Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy commented it is “a very important matter”.